Muslims in West Bengal: On the Road to Unfreedom? | Arup Kumar Sen

Immediately after coming to power in the state of West Bengal in 2026, the BJP government has been taking new measures of governance to curtail the freedom of the Muslim community. The Hindu reported (May 28, 2026): “Kolkata’s Id-ul-Azha celebrations this year were marked by a major shift in venue, moving from the traditional Red Road to the Brigade Parade Ground for the morning prayers. The festival also witnessed no public slaughter of animals after a May 13 notification by the West Bengal government banned the same.” Similarly, strict surveillance measures were announced by the Kolkata Police on the eve of Muharram: “For the first time, Lalbazar (Kolkata Police Headquarters) clarified that only traditional Muharram processions, being taken out for many years, would be granted approval, subject to existing rules and regulatory permissions…The guidelines forbid the broadcast of any provocative, inflammatory, or sensitive messages from the processions. Senior officers confirmed special surveillance would be maintained in sensitive pockets. Additional police forces, complete with CCTV cover and drones, will keep a watch on the city.” (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

The new government has drastically reduced the funds allotted for minority affairs and education. The Indian Express reported (June 26, 2026): “In a departure from previous Budgets under the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the BJP government has slashed the allocation of the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education (MAME) Department by 62 % for the 2026-27 financial year.”

What was announced by the chief minister of West Bengal on the day of Muharram (June 26, 2026) signifies a major shift in the paradigm of governance of the State, particularly from the perspective of the minority community/communities – “Bengal govt will not only implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC) but also bring tough laws on land jihad, love jihad and forcible conversions, chief minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Friday (June 26, 2026)…On the proposed UCC bill, CM Adhikari said on Friday that Bengal will follow the procedure adopted by Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Assam.” (The Times of India, June 27, 2026)

The critical question that comes to our mind in the above context is: Are the Muslims in West Bengal on the road to Unfreedom?